What is the purpose of a running record in reading assessment?

The purpose of a running record in reading assessment is to analyze a student's reading behaviors and strategies in real-time. This assessment tool allows educators to observe how a student approaches reading a text, including their fluency, decoding skills, and comprehension strategies as they read aloud. By documenting errors, self-corrections, and the strategies used, teachers can gather valuable insights into each student's reading level and abilities, which can inform instruction and intervention. This real-time analysis helps educators tailor their support to meet individual student needs effectively.

Other options do not align with the primary function of a running record. Tracking the number of books read is more about volume than understanding reading skills, assessing writing skills focuses on a different aspect of literacy, and categorizing books based on difficulty serves a different purpose unrelated to assessing a student's reading process.